Cyclone brings new flood threat to Mozambique

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Cyclone Flavio threatens high winds and heavy rains in a region already struggling with disastrous flooding.

By Charles Mangwiro

MAPUTO, Feb 20 (Reuters) -- Officials warned flood-ravaged Mozambique on Tuesday to brace for a tropical cyclone bearing down on the country, threatening high winds and heavy rains in a region already struggling with disastrous flooding.

Cyclone Flavio was located in the Indian Ocean less than 200 kilometres (125 miles) from the Mozambican Channel and was intensifying, with winds forecast to strengthen to 160 kph (100 mph), the national meteorology agency INAM said.

"We call upon authorities in the provinces of Sofala, Inhambane and Gaza to take preventive measures," INAM spokesman Acadio Tembe told Radio Mozambique on Tuesday.

Mozambique has already seen more than 100,000 people displaced and 40 killed by serious flooding in the Zambezi river valley, straining disaster relief efforts as officials battle to get food and clean water to people in evacuation shelters.